Businesses with strong free cash flow tend to be more adaptable and resilient. Some of these companies shine bright by using their cash wisely to strengthen their market positions.

Identifying the most effective companies isn’t easy, and that’s why we started StockStory. That said, here are three cash-producing companies that excel at turning cash into shareholder value.

Mastercard (MA)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 50.3%

Recognizable by its iconic "Priceless" advertising campaign that has run in over 120 countries, Mastercard (NYSE: MA) operates a global payments network that connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, and businesses, enabling electronic transactions and providing payment solutions.

What Makes MA Stand Out?

1. Market share has increased this cycle as its 17% annual revenue growth over the last five years was exceptional
2. Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 23.1% exceeded its revenue gains over the last five years
3. Industry-leading 174% return on equity demonstrates management’s skill in finding high-return investments

At $538.93 per share, Mastercard trades at 26.6x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.

Core Natural Resources (CNR)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 5.7%

Tracing its origins to 1864 and operating some mines southwest of Pittsburgh, Core Natural Resources (NYSE: CNR) mines and exports metallurgical coal used in steelmaking and thermal coal for power generation.

Why Do We Like CNR?

1. Annual revenue growth of 14.2% over the past nine years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
2. Economies of scale give it more fixed cost leverage than its smaller competitors
3. Robust free cash flow margin of 12.7% gives it many options for capital deployment

Core Natural Resources’s stock price of $83.20 implies a valuation ratio of 5x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Riley Exploration Permian (REPX)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 18.6%

Operating in counties where legacy oil fields have been producing since the early 1900s, Riley Exploration Permian (NYSE: REPX) drills for and produces oil and natural gas from horizontal wells in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico.

Why Is REPX a Top Pick?

1. Annual revenue growth of 30.8% over the past eight years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
2. Attractive asset base leads to wonderful unit economics and a best-in-class gross margin of 76.6%
3. Impressive free cash flow profitability enables the company to fund new investments or reward investors with share buybacks/dividends

Riley Exploration Permian is trading at $35.48 per share, or 5x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

ALSO WORTH WATCHING: Top 5 Momentum Stocks. The best time to own a great stock is when the market is finally noticing it. These aren’t just high-quality businesses. Something is happening with them right now. Elite fundamentals meet near-term momentum — both boxes checked at the same time.

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Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+1,154% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.